Corporate | 7 October 2004 17:40

Ludwig Beck AG: Positive sales trend continues

Corporate-news announcement sent by DGAP. The sender is solely responsible for the contents of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– LUDWIG BECK AG: Positive sales trend continues – Sales during the first nine months of 2004 significantly up on 2003. Munich, October 7th 2004 – At the close of the 3rd quarter of 2004 too, LUDWIG BECK AG (ISIN DE 0005199905) has been able to show sales figures that are significantly up in year-on-year comparison. Gross consolidated sales at Group level totalled EUR 67.9 million, EUR 5.6 million more than last year’s figure of EUR 62.3 million. This equates to a rise in Group sales of around 9.0% and of 1.8% on sales area adjusted basis. In contrast, calculations by “TextilWirtschaft”, the German trade journal, indicate that the textile retail trade in Germany is likely to have booked overall sales figures for the first 9 months of 2004 that are 3.0% down on those of last year. A satisfying business trend – above all in July and August – helped to maintain an upward sales curve, thus ensuring a continuingly positive state of trading for LUDWIG BECK. Both healthy sales of reduced summerwear as well as an already strong demand for fashionable autumn/winterwear ensured pleasing footfall and sales figures. A cross-store, themed campaign in September at the Group’s flagship store at its prime Marienplatz location in Munich in cooperation with upmarket caterers Käfer Feinkost and the LVMH Group attracted a satisfying number of visitors and made for emotional added value. Also making positive contributions to business were the modified children’s fashion department and the extended department for high-quality leather goods and accessories. Even though the last quarter of 2004 is unlikely to see any remarkable trend reversal in terms of consumer behaviour, LUDWIG BECK AG is placing its trust in its own positive trading and successful business over the Christmas period. The detailed 9-month interim report 2004 will be published on November 3rd. Contact: Barbara Gruber (Press) Tel. +49 89 23691-669, Fax +49 89 23691-606 Jens Schott (Investor Relations) Tel. +49 89 23691-798, Fax +49 89 23691-600 end of message, (c)DGAP 07.10.2004 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 519990; ISIN: DE0005199905; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard) und München; Freiverkehr in Berlin-Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg und Stuttgart 071740 Okt 04